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Definitely hate the 4-Series name but loving the shape so far. The car still is camouflaged but it appears wearing far less of its disguise in these new spyphotos. Fairly easy to make out the basic shape of the car which looks much sportier than the F30 3-Series. Reports from Autoblog who provided these pictures state the car may be a 440i which doesn't make too much sense considering it will share the 3-Series drivetrain from the new F30. BMW may intend to release a hotter version of the N55 inline-6 cylinder and simply call it a 440i but this would really be the first time a 440i model was rumored.

This is most likely an F32 435i with some M or Sport Package options showing a more aggressive suspension and 19 inch wheels. There probably are minor M-Line body modifications as well on this car as part of an M Sport Package as the "Sport" badges on the fenders denote. Official reveal is set for Detroit in 2013. Enjoy the photos.

440i or whatever is supposed to get a new engine as is the new m3/m4... what is this new 440i engine or whatever? If it is a reworked N55 with a water / air intercooler and different turbo, then it is in essence a completely new engine.

Based on what BMW said about its new 1.5 liter 3 cylinder engine being modular / scalable to 4 and 6 cylinders, I'm expecting the N55's replacement to basically be that engine x2. The new 1.5 liter, in case you haven't seen it, makes 177hp and 199lb/ft of torque and sounds pretty sweet so we can easily expect the N55 replacement to have at least 350hp and 350lb/ft if not more!

440i or whatever is supposed to get a new engine as is the new m3/m4... what is this new 440i engine or whatever? If it is a reworked N55 with a water / air intercooler and different turbo, then it is in essence a completely new engine.

I think the 440i is just a rumor for now. It would likely just be based on the 335i if it does come with just a new tune.

Adding a water/air intercooler or changing a turbo isn't a completely new engine. It would be more of an N55TU than anything else.

The same fundamental differences that this new engine will probably have when compared to the N55. A different turbo setup and the addition of valvetronic hence signifying 2 completely different engines. You say fundamental differences, I say all aluminum and same compression ratio in N54 vs N55. I would argue that if it was a different tune (n54 in 335i vs 1M), then it would be the same engine...

The same fundamental differences that this new engine will probably have when compared to the N55. A different turbo setup and the addition of valvetronic hence signifying 2 completely different engines. You say fundamental differences, I say all aluminum and same compression ratio in N54 vs N55. I would argue that if it was a different tune (n54 in 335i vs 1M), then it would be the same engine...

Let's wait and see what it is. If the 440i if it comes is just different software and an intercooler then it is the same motor. We really don't know what they are doing at this point.

Not much different from the E92 overall, though obviously the front fascia is where all the action is. If the rumors are correct, an N54-powered car with intake/tune is going to be just as willing as the next M3/4, and look 98% of the part. An FBO car on E85 will destroy the new M; if the E92 is an 'is' with DCT, the F82 won't even have that advantage.

Do they really think people will shell out $70k+ for an M car that will be equalled by a 5 year old 335 with $2k of engine mods and $4k of suspension work? I think the F82 is in serious trouble.

Not much different from the E92 overall, though obviously the front fascia is where all the action is. If the rumors are correct, an N54-powered car with intake/tune is going to be just as willing as the next M3/4, and look 98% of the part. An FBO car on E85 will destroy the new M; if the E92 is an 'is' with DCT, the F82 won't even have that advantage.

The M is not just about straightline and will be far more satisfying to drive and capable on the track. The new chassis will no doubt be an improvement and it will be more resistance to heat soak on the track.

Originally Posted by whoosh

Do they really think people will shell out $70k+ for an M car that will be equalled by a 5 year old car with $2k of engine mods and $4k of suspension work? I think the F82 is in serious trouble.

Um, the E92 M3 sold even though you could go get a bunch of older cars that can outperform it for less money with mods. The F82 isn't in trouble at all, a new M3 is going to sell. If your point was valid no new cars would ever sell.

The M is not just about straightline and will be far more satisfying to drive and capable on the track. The new chassis will no doubt be an improvement and it will be more resistance to heat soak on the track.

I get that the M is more of a road weapon than strip, but many of the posts on this board are about drag racing rather than lap times so it's something to be considered. I know personally that the 335is is already resistant to heat soak at the track using the OEM cooling setup.

Originally Posted by Sticky

Um, the E92 M3 sold even though you could go get a bunch of older cars that can outperform it for less money with mods. The F82 isn't in trouble at all, a new M3 is going to sell. If your point was valid no new cars would ever sell.

The E92 M3 sold because of the S65, available DCT and other distinguishing features that you couldn't get on the 335, and that weren't available on the previous-gen M3. I get it that you can always get older cars and tune them. The problem here is the current 335 is going to be very close to the next M3/4. Someone like me that already has a tuned 335 has no real reason to upgrade other than the badge. Someone that already has an E92 M will be hard-pressed to upgrade because they will see it as essentially a 335.

The guys that must have the latest M will get one, as will people that don't want to mod. If it ends up having 500hp and 3200lbs, it will be compelling to N54 guys. I don't see who else will make the jump.